The University of Fort Hare (UFH) ignited a powerful build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children under the theme “Reclaiming Our Space – UFH Rises Again.” What unfolded on the Alice Campus last Friday was not just an event; it was a declaration, a moment of mourning, a reckoning, and a renewed commitment to building a university where women are safe, protected, heard, and valued.
Led by the UFH Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Diversity Office (GBVGDO), in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Office, the programme unfolded in three phases.
Phase 1: Reclaiming Our Spaces
Programme Director Lebethe Malefo, International Affairs and Partnerships Director, opened the event, setting the tone for reflection and action.
Delivering the opening and purpose, the Deputy Registrar for Legal Affairs, Ntibi Maepa, reminded the UFH community of the daily reality of gender-based violence (GBV). “Fifteen women die every day. Fifteen dreams shattered. The crisis is not out there; it is right here. Silence is not natural. Silence is harmful.”
In her message on the significance of the moment, Ms Dumisile Nene, Executive Director for People Management and Engagement, called on women across UFH and South Africa to reclaim their rightful space.
“We need equality and equity. We need to be seen. We are not here to be abused or ridiculed – our voices count,” she said. Ms Nene highlighted UFH’s actions against GBV, including suspending and dismissing perpetrators to protect survivors.
The Director for Research and Innovation, Dr. Aceme Nyika, said that a university exists to produce change agents and productive citizens. “This event is important because it raises awareness and commits us to preventing the precursors of GBV before they happen. There is no point in being a successful researcher, only to go home and kill your wife. We want this university to be an example. A place that produces graduates who uplift, protect, and transform society.”
In a powerful message of support on behalf of academia, the Interim DVC for Teaching and Learning, Prof. Patrick Osode, apologized for the institutional silences of the past.
“We have not been loud enough. GBV is about freedom and dignity. The battle is about equality for both the girl and boy child,” he said. “We will no longer be absent. We will be partners.”
The UFH Men’s Forum also pledged its support, reaffirming its commitment to protecting women and collaborating with campus security.
The programme then proceeded to a symbolic tree planting. The Tree of Renewal and Hope, located near the main gate, aims to serve as a reminder “that every season brings new life, and every community has the power to rise again.”
One of the trees on campus was formally designated as the Tree of Remembrance, with plaques bearing the names of UFH students tragically lost to GBV. They are Yonela Boli (2020), Nosicelo Mtebeni (2021), Nontokozo Mokai (2023), Sivenathi Mazaleni (2023), and Siphosethu Mqombothi. (2023).
The phase closed with a powerful message by the GBVGDO Investigating Officer, Advocate Palesa Mpapa, on the University’s enduring duty to care.
Phase 2: Women for Change Shutdown
Led by Ms Nonhlanhla Sibanda Moyo, Director of the GBVGDO, Phase 2 deepened the emotional weight of the day.
“South Africa is losing 15 women a day. Today we lie down for 15 minutes to honour them – one minute for each life,” she said.
A powerful performance by Anti-GBV Champions left attendees sombre and reflective.
The attendees participated in a 15-minute national shutdown and lie-down, symbolising the silencing of women whose lives were violently taken. The silence was deliberate, heavy, and unforgettable.
Phase 3: Remembering Nontokozo
Afterwards, a UFH delegation travelled to Ntselamanzi Village to visit the home of the late Nontokozo Mokai, who was raped and murdered in 2023. The South African Police Service (SAPS) provided the family with an update on the ongoing investigation.
The final phase of the programme, led by GBVGDO social worker Nomzamo Dukada, focused on remembrance and healing.
Mokai’s family and friends shared heartfelt tributes and expressed appreciation to the institution for its support and for initiating the case update process.
Messages of support were delivered by the UFH delegation, the Department of Social Development, the SAPS, and the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, each committing to stand with the family and strengthen efforts to prevent GBV.
UFH’s Stance: Not in Our Name
The day’s programme and activities represented a collective stance, one against the normalisation of violence, a stance for renewal, restoration, and justice. A stance to ensure that the University of Fort Hare becomes a place where women are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.